MAMELODI Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane gave an exhibition on dodging questions on his team's injuries that would have made a ninja proud ahead of his side's Nedbank Cup quarterfinal against Orlando Pirates tomorrow.

A few minutes late for yesterday's press conference ahead of the cup game, high-riding former Bafana coach Mosimane could not be pinned down on an injury situation that has not prevented Downs from usurping the lead in the Premiership from Kaizer Chiefs.

Now Downs turn their sights on the Cup, where they meet Pirates at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow.

Mosimane has seen striker Cuthbert Malajila make a recent return from injury, but had Thabo Nthethe rested as a precaution against Celtic, and saw Teko Modise limp off in that game. Khama Billiat returned on Wednesday, and Katlego Mashego and Elias Pelembe have been on the verge of a comeback.

"I'll see if Pelembe is OK at training," Mosimane said. "I hear he trained well yesterday in the camp [for players outside the match 18], with a bit of irritation. I hear Mashego trained. Is he ready? I'm not sure. I hear Mzikayise Mashaba trained - if that one doesn't have a pain he will play because he's not been out for long."

Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic said he respects the class in his opponents' lineup.

"I watched their game against Chiefs [Downs' 1-0 win on the weekend] four times and saw a lot of quality. A lot of good players, and I think it will be a very interesting game.

"The cup games are the shortest way to win a trophy. And my team do know how to get to finals. I will try to help them to win this final, but they have to help me by reaching it."